In 2001, I began my first endeavor as an equestrian. I was put to work with a HUGE grey being named Shakespeare. He was a brute...constantly pushing me around, stepping on my toes, and doing such things so as the scrawny little 13 year old girl I was could not handle him. I loved him right away. Of course, as time wore on and I learned more, there was no more bossiness from him...seeing as I became the "boss mare" of sorts.

Shakespeare has always been a mischevious horse. He's completley ruled by his stomache, and he'll do anything to get your attention for some food.  Apparently, I wasn't getting it to him fast enough while taking care of the animals on this certain July evening. I had been filling up water buckets and had just finished Shakespeare's. I moved on to the next stall, and without thinking, stuck my head on the gate to rest while it filled. The next thing I know, water is gushing over my head. I'll be darned if that horse didn't fill his mouth with water and dump it all over me in order to get my attention.

Many other amusing stories come to mind...like our first year at the county 4-H fair. I was so proud of our third place ribbion we had just received in our first class. So proud was I that I decided to tie it to the front of his stall for all to see. Bad idea. I returned 20 minutes later to find only half of my ribbion remaning. Yes, he ate it.

Most of all, Shakespeare has taught me everything I know about horses. He's my teacher, my partner in crime and my best friend. When I look into his eyes, I see an equine version of me. Our personalities mirrior each others. Our souls are intertwined now. Every fault one has, the other makes up for. Where I am weak, he is strong. When he is lost, I can lead him back. When I am ditzy...well, there's no cure for that one. We're both absolutely crazy.

He's also always been one and only therapist. While going through some very hard times recently, I got on him for a quick ride. The whole time I was unable to concentrate, and the ride ended with me on his back, crying my eyes out. The whole time he never moved a muscle. I dismounted and buried my head into his mane. He returned this gesture by bringing his head around me, in a sort of "horsey hug". The bond between him and I is unexplainable. There are no words to say how I feel about him.

Shakespeare and I have been through so much. From that first scary trot, to cantering across the countryside we've seen and dealt with the worst and the best of it. I know there's still more to come, and I also know that, come what may, Shakespeare and I will always be on the front lines fighting with both of our hearts. While some people will never have such a relationship with even another human, I thank the Lord everyday for bringing this horse into my life and allowing me the chance to feel true love at such a young age.